How can one return to their closeness to God and their reverence in prayer after a period of estrangement, and what is the first step to seeking knowledge and walking in God's path?

Firstly: Seek Allah's help and rely upon Him, and strive in supplication that He may keep your heart steadfast upon His religion.

Secondly: Adhere to righteous companionship, seek out skilled scholars in your town, and learn from them the sacred knowledge.

Thirdly: Occupy yourself with beneficial words and deeds, and guard your thoughts from the whispers of Satan.

Fourthly: Maintain the obligatory duties and do not neglect them, and strive to perform as many supererogatory acts as are easy for you.

Fifthly: To increase humility (khushu') in prayer, refer to the fatwas specifically on this matter.